Iran confirms release of Iranian scientist, US veteran
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Seyyed Abbas Mousavi has confirmed Iran’s release of American citizen Michael Ray White and the US’ release of Iranian doctor Majid Taheri.
“Mr. Michael White, who had been sentenced to prison in Iran for security crimes and in a lawsuit brought by private plaintiffs, was released after satisfying the plaintiffs in respect to the cause of action while being granted Islamic mercy for his other crimes," Mousavi said in a statement.
“He was released from jail given the time served and in respect of human rights considerations, and left Iran on Thursday,” the spokesman added.
“After the coronavirus outbreak, upon the general directive of the Iranian Judiciary Chief, White was granted furlough, but as long as he had no relatives in Iran, he was handed over to the Embassy of Switzerland, which protects the US interests in Iran, upon the embassy’s request,” Mousavi noted.
“As he had some symptoms of the virus, he was under full medical supervision and treatment during this time, and after making sure that his coronavirus test was negative, the freedom verdict was implemented,” he added.
“Simultaneous with White's release, Majid Taheri, an Iranian scientist who had been imprisoned in the United States for false reasons, was released from prison as per the court ruling,” Mousavi added.
Mousavi finally appreciated the close cooperation of the Judiciary, the Intelligence Ministry, and the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council as well as the Swiss Embassy in Tehran who prepared the grounds for the release of Mr White and Doctor Taheri. (ILKHA)